"In this new role, I am tasked with unifying and synchronizing all of the campuses' efforts to provide cutting-edge, state-of-the-art curriculum and programs," said the former dean of instruction. "The market's needs are ever-changing, and I'm excited to help prepare our students for it."

Fortune, who will report to HCC Southwest President Fena Garza, will serve as the chief academic, student services and workforce officer.

"I'm so pleased to have Betty providing the strong leadership we need as we transition into this role," said Garza. "We're all looking forward to having her strategic insight to help our campuses turn out the most-prepared, well-equipped job candidates."

Garza added that, as the largest college in the HCC system, HCC Southwest covers two counties and three school districts, and is constantly evaluating how to better, more efficiently serve its students and communities.

Fortune joined HCC in 2000 as a full-time faculty member who concurrently served as the assistant chair for guided studies. She has held several key leadership roles with the college: department chair of developmental studies, discipline chair of guided studies and most recently the dean of instruction.

Fortune received her bachelor of science degree from Southern University and master's in education from Prairie View A& M University. She is also nearing completion of the doctoral program in higher education from Texas Southern University.